August 27, 2013

Memorial of
Saint Monica
Lectionary: 426

You yourselves know, brothers and sisters,that our reception among you was not without effect.Rather, after we had suffered and been insolently treated,as you know, in Philippi,we drew courage through our Godto speak to you the Gospel of God with much struggle.Our exhortation was not from delusion or impure motives,nor did it work through deception.But as we were judged worthy by God to be entrusted with the Gospel,that is how we speak,not as trying to please men,but rather God, who judges our hearts.Nor, indeed, did we ever appear with flattering speech, as you know,or with a pretext for greed–God is witness–nor did we seek praise from men,either from you or from others,although we were able to impose our weight as Apostles of Christ.Rather, we were gentle among you,as a nursing mother cares for her children.With such affection for you, we were determined to share with younot only the Gospel of God, but our very selves as well,so dearly beloved had you become to us.

R. (1) You have searched me and you know me, Lord.O LORD, you have probed me and you know me;you know when I sit and when I stand;you understand my thoughts from afar.My journeys and my rest you scrutinize,with all my ways you are familiar.R. You have searched me and you know me, Lord.Even before a word is on my tongue,behold, O LORD, you know the whole of it.Behind me and before, you hem me inand rest your hand upon me.Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;too lofty for me to attain.R. You have searched me and you know me, Lord.

Jesus said:“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin,and have neglected the weightier things of the law:judgment and mercy and fidelity.But these you should have done, without neglecting the others.Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.You cleanse the outside of cup and dish,but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence.Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup,so that the outside also may be clean.”

By accepting this message, you will be leaving the website of the
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This link is provided
solely for the user's convenience. By providing this link, the United
States Conference of Catholic Bishops assumes no responsibility for,
nor does it necessarily endorse, the website, its content, or
sponsoring organizations.